The Lineup: Thursday, October 10

Run to the end of the field and turn left. Then turn left again. Send any suggestions to SI.TheLineup@gmail.com. (Bold indicates a national broadcast. All times Eastern.)

Pregame Reads

Daniel Snyder wrote an open letter to Washington Redskins fans. It's exactly what you expect it to be.

The tear-jerking story of the health problems suffered by the son of golf writer Craig Dolch.

A new book alleges that Sheryl Crow sang to the feds about Lance Armstrong's doping.

Starter

MLB Playoffs

Detroit Tigers vs. Oakland A's

The A's had a chance to wrap this thing up on Tuesday, but gave up a 3-0 lead, or as San Jose Mercury News columnist Mark Purdy described it, "Tuesday was a lost journey to glory that instead took a turn down a dank canyon full of starving wolves, poison-dart-wielding monkeys and chubby guys in windbreakers who reach up to steal baseballs and crush hearts."

That's one way to put it.

Reserves

NFL

New York Giants vs. Chicago Bears, 8:30p.m. (NFL Network)

There is an off-the-charts likelihood of a quarterback temper tantrum meltdown. The only question is whether it's more fun to witness Cutler's angry frat boy routine or Eli's "aww shucks, why me?" face.

WNBA Finals

Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream, 8:30p.m. (ESPN2)

NCAA Football

Rutgers vs. #8 Louisville, 7:30p.m. (ESPN)

South Carolina State vs. North Carolina Central, 7:30p.m. (ESPNU)

San Diego State vs. Air Force, 9:00p.m. (CBS Sports)

Arizona vs. USC, 10:30p.m. (Fox Sports 1)

Arizona senior linebacker Marquis Flowers made a rare decision a few years ago, choosing a scholarship to play for the Wildcats over a chance to play for the Trojans. Tonight, Flowers has a chance to vindicate that decision by going 3-1 against USC. Though, many would say avoiding Lane Kiffin already made the choice worthwhile.

NHL

Colorado Avalanche vs. Boston Bruins, 7:00p.m.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Buffalo Sabres, 7:00p.m.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals, 7:00p.m.

Phoenix Coyotes vs. Detroit Red Wings, 7:30p.m. (NHL Network)

Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, 7:30p.m.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Nashville Predators, 8:00p.m.

Winnipeg Jets vs. Minnesota Wild, 8:00p.m.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Edmonton Oilers, 9:30p.m.

San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks, 10:00p.m.

New York Rangers vs. Anaheim Ducks, 10:00p.m.

NBA Preseason

Sacramento Kings vs. L.A. Lakers, 10:00p.m. (NBA TV)

Lakers big men Chris Kaman and Robert Sacre bought a cow. There's not really much else to say. They pooled their resources and bought a 400-pound steer for its beef. It's fitting given that Laker fans will probably be having a cow when watching the team struggle this year.

More Extra Mustard

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